Three men armed with a baseball bat forced their way into an address on New Lane, Oswaldtwistle at about 6.30pm last night.

The masked men asked the whereabouts of a man before leaving. The two occupants, a 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were left shocked but unharmed.

Police believe the men may have been near to the Black Dog pub around the time of the offence.

Detective Sgt Julie Cross of Accrington Reactive CID said: “This was quite clearly a traumatic incident for all persons involved and we are trying to trace anybody who has any information what may lead us to identify the persons responsible for this offence.

“We believe this house has been deliberately targeted but despite damage to the door there was nothing stolen."

Information should call Lancashire Police on 101.